Remembrance

First World War Heritage

In the context of the centenary of the First World War, animations will be set up in order to show the strategic and logistical importance of the territory of Ternois during the Great War.

Historical Context:

The Ternois was not part of the front lines and yet, this territory had its importance. Indeed, because of the geographical situation of this area, a huge amount of casualties, soldiers, refugees and prisoners went through it. Le Pays du Ternois being at equal distance from the ports (the Channel and the North Sea) and the front lines (Artois, Flanders and Somme) it became a strategic point, a nerve center, a kind of transitional zone between the front lines and the rear area.

As soon as 1914, le Ternois was fully involved in the war effort: troops had to be conveyed to the front lines, casualties had to be repatriated and the armies needed to be resupplied in weapons and munitions…This territory became a real hive of activity with its weapons factory, its gathering points of casualties and refugees, its aerodromes or its training center. Many hospitals had to be set up which led to the establishment of cemeteries. Because of the increase of victims these villages from the rear area became burial places.

As a consequence of its situation as a nerve center, generals, princes, kings and presidents came to the French and English headquarters established in St Pol sur Ternoise and the most beautiful residence places of the territory: Châteaux de Brias, Cercamp, Bermicourt, Bermicourt, Monchy-Cayeux, Humières.

A universally acknowledged symbol is undeniably linked to the history of this territory: the British Unknown Warrior was selected in St Pol among several bodies on the night of the 7th – 8th November 1920. It now lies since the 11th November in Westminster Abbey in London.

In the framework of this centenary you will have the opportunity to discover articles about themes that are peculiar to this territory: